intake and assessment
Intake Interviews
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Register
Call (07) 3497 2812 to let us know you’re interested. Registration takes about 10 minutes.
2
Info Pack
We’ll send you some general information and a copy of the Parent Application Form.
3
Intake Interview
When you return your completed application form, we arrange an appointment for your Intake Interview.
4
Child Orientation
The children are invited to attend the Contact Centre to meet the staff and check out the premises.
5
Start
When both parents have completed the paperwork and agreed to the terms of service, we can start.
Intake & Assessment
Before commencing supervised contact services, the following steps must be completed:
Step 1
Both parents are to contact Children’s Contact Services on (07) 3497 2812 for registration. During this initial contact, a ten-minute telephone interview is conducted. Please note that no further action can take place until both parties have completed this step.
Step 2
The parents will then be notified of the length of the waiting list (if any), and arrangements will be made for an intake interview and orientation visit.
Step 3
Intake interviews will take place approximately two weeks prior to the date of the first family contact visit. The duration of the interviews (a separate interview for each party) normally lasts from 60 to 90 minutes. Prospective participants are assessed for suitability for the program.
Step 4
Both parents receive a copy of the Kindred Connect Service Agreement. The document may be amended to accommodate the needs of individual children. Parents and other adult participants must understand the following;
- The purpose of contact visits
- Their roles and responsibilities with regard to contact visits
- Details of contact times, frequency and locations
- Who may be present at contact visits
- The roles of all involved in contact visits, and what is expected
- Any contingency plans or provisions
Step 5
If a contact is to occur at our Children’s Contact Centre, it is encouraged that the child attend an orientation visit at that centre, accompanied by one parent, one week prior to the first contact.
During the orientation visit, the child will be assessed in terms of willingness and readiness to participate. If the first contact is to take place at a location other than a contact centre, a staff member will meet with the children and one parent prior to the first session so that this assessment can be completed.
What do I need to bring?
- Intake Form (completed)
- Family Law Court Orders
- Children’s Court Orders
- Child Safety documents
- Intervention Orders
- Driver’s License (or other photo id)
- Intake Fee or Evidence of payment
What is the purpose of the Intake Interview?
- To clarify the reasons for accessing the Service
- To provide details of contact times, frequency and locations
- To identify persons included in contact visits
- To make any necessary contingency plans
- To allocate car-park and entrance
- To arrange time for child orientation
- To give parents an opportunity for questions
- To provide a tour of the Centre and facilities
- To explain emergency procedures
- To ensure parents are aware of arrangements and schedules
- To identify the parent’s views of the child’s willingness to participate
Risk Assessment
During Intake we collect information to conduct a Risk Assessment. To identify the kind of risk and the degree of threat associated, we ask questions about past and present family violence, substance abuse, child abuse and mental health issues. We will enquire about any previously refused applications, suspensions or termination by other Contact Services so we may understand contributing factors and plan to avoid any future issues.
Child Abuse Allegations
In circumstances involving allegations of child abuse we make enquiries;
- To establish if any investigations have been conducted by the police or child protection authority and whether or not allegations have been substantiated
- To determine the most suitable Contact Supervisors in terms of their skill, experience, and qualifications
- To identify matters for consultation with the ICL (Independent Children’s Lawyer) if one has been appointed, about external supports in place and suggest suitable support services if appropriate and with their permission, submit referrals on their behalf
- To determine the degree of vigilance required during Supervised Contact i.e ascertain whether additional Supervisors are required, and allocate most suitable supervisors for the particular circumstances.
When can Supervised Contact start?
Contact Services can commence as soon as both parents have completed the Intake & Assessment Interviews. The process usually takes 1-2 weeks although can be less in circumstances where parents are flexible in their availability.
Can I bring my children to the Interview?
Due to the nature of discussions, it is not usually appropriate for children to attend Intake. However, where no alternative exists, we ask parents to inform the Service so an additional staff member can be arranged.
When Services are required urgently, and additional staff available, it may be possible to arrange Child Orientation visits to coincide with a parent’s Intake Interview. Otherwise, the Service will schedule separate appointments for the children’s Orientation.
What is the service agreement?
To access Services, both parents are required to sign and adhere to our Service Agreement; a comprehensive list of all terms and conditions
The Service Agreement details roles and responsibilities of Supervising staff and includes Consent to Release and Parental Permission
What happens with my information?
Information you provide is used in developing a Case Plan. These are amended according to progress and obstacles and parents’ input is encouraged.
Personal information is managed according to strict practices outlined in our Confidentiality Policy. Electronic documents are encrypted & password protected. Paper files are locked in cabinets in a secure room.
Intake Payment
The Intake Interview costs $175 per parent. Payment is required in advance and receipt of payment confirms your booking.
Direct Transfer
Electronic Funds Transfer, or Internet Banking is our preferred method of payment.
Bank Details
Kindred Connect Pty. Ltd.
National Australia Bank
BSB: 084-424
Account No: 13-321-1696
Eftpos
Fees can be paid in person at our Centre. We accept all major credit cards.
Credit Card
Payment plans may be arranged on request, to include direct debit payments by instalments using third party services i.e., Ezy-Pay or Centre-Pay
Payment Plan
We accept all major credit cards including American Express. Payments by credit card can be made at our Centre or online.
Application Form
Download the Parent Application E-Form here. Please return your completed form to contactus@kindredconnect.com.au
Brisbane
Sunshine Coast
Gladstone
Rockhampton
Mackay
Cairns
PO Box 246
Dayboro QLD 4521
PO Box 246
Dayboro QLD 4521